Wildfire and Evacuation Resources

Wildfires and evacuations can be stressful and uncertain. This page brings together up-to-date information and health resources to help you stay safe, access care, and know what to do if you are impacted.

Support is available. Whether you need care, information, or guidance, you are not on your own. Taking a few steps to prepare in advance can help you and your family stay safe.

For non-emergency health advice, call HealthLine 811. In an emergency, call 911.

Get Help Now

Need health advice? Call HealthLine 811 for professional health, mental health, and addiction support.

  • Speak with a registered nurse 24/7
  • Get advice on symptoms, medications, and what to do next
  • Talk through concerns in a safe and confidential way

If you've been evacuated and aren't sure how to manage your medications, symptoms, or next steps, 811 can help guide you. This is a free service available to anyone in Saskatchewan. Services are offered in English, with translation available in over 100 languages.

Current Situation and Alerts

Stay informed using trusted, up-to-date sources. Conditions can change quickly.

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) provides current information on wildfire activity, including an active wildfire map, fire bans, and daily fire danger ratings.

Key information sources:

Before a Wildfire

During wildfire season in Saskatchewan, conditions can change quickly and may affect travel, access to essential services, and the safety of your community. Evacuation alerts or orders may be issued with little notice. 

Preparing in advance helps you act quickly and stay connected. Make an emergency plan so everyone in your household knows what to do, where to go, and how to stay in contact.

Helpful resources:

If you have specific health needs, visit:

To learn how to help protect your home and community:

Preparing for Your Health Needs

Planning ahead can help you manage your health during an evacuation.

  • Create a medication preparedness checklist
  • Know your health needs ahead of time
  • Plan for mobility aids, medical devices, and other essential equipment

During a Wildfire

Wildfire conditions can change rapidly and may impact air quality, access to services, and community safety. Evacuation may be required with little notice.

Stay informed, follow direction from local authorities, reduce your exposure to smoke, and be ready to act if an evacuation alert or order is issued.

SaskAlert is the Government of Saskatchewan's emergency public alerting system. It provides real-time alerts to help you stay informed and take action to protect yourself and your family.

If you need to leave quickly:

  • Take your emergency kit and medications
  • Bring important documents and identification
  • Follow instructions from local authorities
  • Let family or loved ones know where you are going

Health Care for Evacuees

Wildfire smoke can affect your health, and people may respond differently depending on age, overall health, and level of exposure. 

Common symptoms include: 

  • Eye irritation
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Mild cough
  • Phlegm production
  • Wheezing
  • Headaches

Many symptoms can be managed by reducing your exposure to smoke. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention.

For non-emergency health information or advice, call HealthLine 811 to speak to a health professional. 

Managing Medications

During a state of emergency in Saskatchewan, pharmacists may be able to provide certain medications without a prescription to support continuity of care. For more information, visit the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals.

The Non-Insured Health Benefits program provides eligible First Nations individuals with coverage for services such as prescription medications, dental and vision care, medical supplies and equipment, mental health counselling, and medical transportation.

If you rely on rescue medications such as inhalers, keep them with you at all times during wildfire season.

If you are unsure how to manage your medications or cannot access them, call HealthLine 811 for guidance and support.

Saskatchewan Health Authority Wellness Bus

The Saskatchewan Community Wellness Buses operate in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert. 

These mobile primary health care clinics are staffed by teams that may include a Nurse Practitioner, Licensed Practical Nurse, and Mental Health Assessor Coordinator. They provide assessments, basic care, and help connect individuals to additional health services and supports.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Wildfires and evacuations can affect both your emotional and physical wellbeing. Feeling stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or uncertain during these events is normal and support is available.

Mental health and wellness resources:

Friendship Centres

Friendship Centres across Saskatchewan can provide cultural supports, information, and connections to services for individuals and families affected by wildfire or evacuation.

If you are displaced or need assistance, local Friendship Centres can help you access supports within the community.

Dealing with stress and trauma

Stress reactions during and after a wildfire or evacuation can look different for everyone. You may notice changes in sleep, mood, energy, concentration, or appetite.

Taking care of yourself, staying connected with others, and reaching out for support can help during difficult times.

Learn more about coping with stress, anxiety, and trauma during emergencies.

Wildfire Smoke and Your Health

Smoke from wildfires can affect your health and may worsen existing medical conditions. Poor air quality can be especially harmful for people with heart or lung conditions, older adults, children, pregnant individuals, and those who work outdoors.

To help reduce your exposure:

  • Stay indoors when possible
  • Keep windows and doors closed if it is safe to do so
  • Reduce strenuous outdoor activity
  • Monitor local air quality conditions regularly

For current air quality information and forecasts, visit:

The Government of Saskatchewan also provides real-time and forecasted wildfire smoke and air quality information through provincial monitoring programs.

Heat and air quality

Extreme heat and poor air quality can both affect your health, and some individuals may be more sensitive to these conditions.

Spending time in a cool, clean indoor environment is one of the best ways to protect your health. For most people, extreme heat may present a more immediate risk than smoke exposure, so it is important to prioritize staying cool and hydrated. Know the symptoms of heat-related illness, dehydration and when to seek medical care.

Heat-related illness happens when the body cannot cool itself effectively. While anyone can be affected, people at higher risk include:

  • Older adults
  • Infants and young children
  • Pregnant individuals
  • People with chronic medical conditions

Heat-related illnesses are preventable. Drink fluids regularly, avoid strenuous activity during extreme heat, and seek cooler indoor spaces when needed.

For current heat alerts and weather information, visit:

If your home becomes too hot or smoky, consider visiting a public cooling centre or clean air shelter.

Partner Resources

Partner organizations provide important information and services during wildfires and evacuations, including emergency alerts, evacuation support, response coordination, and recovery resources.

Information for SHA Staff and Physicians

Available internally on MyConnection.

Contact Information

Contact the SHA

Contact us with General Inquiries or Feedback About Your Care, the SHA is here to help.

Help Information

Emergency

If you believe you have an emergency, dial 911.

Questions?

If you have questions about your health, dial 811 on your phone.